5 Facts About Demolition That Will Blow Your Mind

The process of demolition often conjures images of wrecking balls swinging into structures or buildings being enveloped in clouds of dust after a spectacular implosion. But what truly lies behind the dramatic facade of demolition is a highly sophisticated, technical, and crucial aspect of the construction industry. 

In this exploration, we’re going to unearth some startling facts about demolition that will not only blow your mind but also reshape your understanding of this vital industry. So, whether you’re a seasoned professional in construction, an architectural enthusiast, or an engineering student, buckle up for a surprising journey through the world of demolition. These facts come in like a wrecking ball (we had to.) 

Fact 1: Implosion Demolition Accounts for Less than 1% of All Demolition Projects

Implosions are the showstoppers of demolition—grand, planned collapses that have the power to bring down monumental structures within seconds. Everyone has seen the videos, with a popular being the controlled demolition of Seattle’s “Kingdome,” (1) which took just 16.8 seconds.  However, despite their media allure, implosions represent less than 1% of demolition work. (2)

The dirty truth is that the bulk of demolition projects involve the painstaking, less theatrical work of deconstructing buildings, bridges, walls, roads, and other structures piece by piece. For instance, bridge repair is a common project that utilizes precise and controlled demolition practices. HydroDemolition, a method that applies high-pressure water jets to remove or repair concrete, preserving structural integrity and preparing surfaces for improvements with utmost precision, is one of many common practices for bridge repair and other demolition projects. Implosion may look cool, and it may be fun to say, but it happens a lot less often than you’d imagine.  

Fact 2: Nearly All Materials Used in Demolition Can Be Recycled and Repurposed

Contrary to the belief that demolition is just about destruction, the truth is, that nearly everything that comes down during the process can find a new life. Steel, concrete, wood, and even hardware can be sorted, processed, and repurposed (3) into new construction materials. Not only does this significantly reduce waste, but it also contributes to a more sustainable building cycle. In fact,  a study in Canada found that with the waste from construction and demolition, about 75% of the solid waste has value, meaning it can still be reused. To think that the rebars and concrete derived from a deconstructed skyscraper could form the foundation of future homes is mind-boggling and a testament to the industry’s dedication to environmental stewardship. However, it takes responsible companies to put forth the effort first. Aggregate Technologies does all we can to help reuse and recycle materials wherever possible. 

Fact 3: The Demolition Industry Accounts for Nearly 90% of All Waste in Construction

While it’s heartening to know about recycling capabilities, it’s sobering to discover that demolition is a significant generator of waste. Nearly 90% of waste (4) from the construction industry originates from demolition and construction activities.  The numbers from the EPA are startling: 

• 600 million tons of C&D debris were generated in the United States in 2018, which is more than twice the amount of generated municipal solid waste.
• Demolition represents more than 90 percent of total C&D debris generation, while construction represents less than 10 percent.
• Just over 455 million tons of C&D debris were directed to next use and just under 145 million tons were sent to landfills.
• Aggregate (not Aggregate Technologies)  was the main next use for the materials in the C&D debris.
• EPA estimated that 136 million tons of building-related C&D materials were generated in the United States in 1996.
• By 2003, almost 170 million tons of building-related C&D materials were generated. In 2003, nonresidential sources accounted for 61 percent of that amount.

However, despite the data being a demolition downer, when taking a closer look at modern demolition firms, there is a robust commitment to minimizing environmental impact through recycling waste, reducing landfill use, and adopting sustainable practices. The efficient sorting and disposal of materials from demolition sites are not just added value but a critical necessity for the planet’s well-being.

Fact 4: Demolition Has Many Different Methods

HydroDemolition is just one card in the deck of demolition techniques. From deconstruction, where buildings are carefully dismantled and materials preserved for reuse, to mechanical demolition using excavators and cranes equipped with specialized attachments for shearing and breaking—there’s more than one way to bring down a building. And let’s not forget explosives, which, when the situation warrants, are carefully calculated to achieve precision collapses with minimal disruption. The variety of methods ensures that demolition experts choose the best approach to suit the structure’s location, purpose, and material composition. 

Fact 5: Demolition Technology Advancements

As with all industries, advances in technology have had a transformative effect on demolition. From GPR technology and drones to cutting-edge machinery such as those used in HydroDemolition, the equipment available today not only increases safety and efficiency but also ensures precision and controls environmental impact. Robotics and automated demolition are becoming more common, allowing for work to be carried out in hazardous conditions without risking human lives. The integration of such technologies is revolutionizing the way we approach this often-misunderstood field.

From recycled rubble to awe-inspiring controlled implosions, the world of demolition is littered with facts that challenge common perceptions. This dive into demolition sheds light on the ingenuity, precision, and sustainability inherent in the trade. At Aggregate Technologies, these mind-blowing facts about demolition are daily realities. It’s a complex dance of destruction and creation that plays a pivotal role in our built environment’s lifecycle. And as demolition continues to evolve, so too will our appreciation for the remarkable processes that reshape our world, one structure at a time.

Fascinated by demolition and eager to learn more?  Contact us today! 

1. https://www.historylink.org/File/2252#:~:text=The%20implosion%20took%20place%20in%20two%20phases.%20The,in%20careful%20sequence.%20The%20implosion%20took%2016.8%20seconds.
2. https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/everything-you-need-to-know-on-how-to-become-a-demolition-contractor
3. https://www.environmentall.ca/dispose-or-reuse-what-happens-to-waste-materials-after-demolition/#:~:text=Dispose%20or%20Reuse%3A%20What%20Happens%20to%20Waste%20Materials,Metal%20…%205%20Wood%20…%206%20Brick%20 
4. https://www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials